Wedding Photography Industry - Lily Rose Photography

Home »

Wedding Photography Industry

Part 1: Who's Photographing Your Wedding?

Do you know who you're hiring?

Finding a wedding photographer used to feel simple. You'd get a referral, meet them in person, and decide if it was a good fit. But today? A quick Google search, a scroll through Instagram, or a few TikTok swipes, and you're suddenly overwhelmed. Everyone looks amazing online. But popularity isn't the same thing as experience.

What many couples don't realize is how much time they'll spend with their photographer on the wedding day. That photographer isn't just there to take pretty pictures. They need to know the flow of the day, keep things moving without stress, and make sure you, your family, and your guests all look your best.

Second Shooters: Who Are They?

To handle all the moments of the day, many photographers hire a second shooter. That second is often responsible for photographing the groom, groomsmen, and sometimes large portions of the ceremony or reception.

But here's the thing—many second shooters are hired last minute through online job boards. Some are paid as little as $25 an hour and are there to build their portfolios. You read that right: someone may be using your wedding day as on-the-job training.

And here's another thing: they're probably not included in your contract. So, who owns the rights to the images they shoot? Are they allowed to market your wedding as their own work? That's a gray area—and a separate article entirely.

Associate Photographers and Big Teams

Some companies operate as collectives or studios. They advertise a consistent style and offer many photographers to choose from—or assign someone after you've booked. These are often overbooked companies scrambling to fill dates. We've seen listings offering $400 for someone to photograph an entire wedding solo. That's not sustainable for a working professional. And it's not fair to couples expecting a consistent level of service.

You deserve to know who's showing up. And what kind of experience do they have?

Part 2: What to Ask and What to Expect

Who We Are

We're Debbie and Larry—partners in life and photography. We met at a bridal show, combined our businesses, and have been photographing weddings together for over a decade. We don't outsource the primary coverage. We don't send an unknown associate.

We are both formally trained in photography. We shoot with both film and digital. We use natural light, but we're also fully equipped to light a dark reception or work in tricky conditions. A better term would be that we're "available light" photographers, which means we know how to work with what we've got—sunlight, flash, strobe, LED, you name it.

Why We Still Shoot as Seconds

We still apply for second shooting and associate jobs, not just to stay current with trends, but to set a standard. It shows that experienced professionals take these roles seriously. We're not padding portfolios. We're showing up with skill, intention, and respect for the job.

We've seen it all: photographers who don't know how to use flash, who bounce light into dark wood paneling, who let group portraits fall into messy clusters. And yes, we've even had the comical experience of being interviewed by photographers with far less experience, only to be passed over for someone cheaper who's looking to build a portfolio. It happens more than you'd think.

But we've also seen smart ideas, great direction, and thoughtful execution. We take notes. We keep learning. Improvement never stops, and neither does our commitment to doing right by every client.

What You Can Do

Ask who will be photographing your wedding.
Request complete galleries—not just highlight reels.
Ask who the second shooter is, and what their experience level is.

And if you come across a photographer who says they love coffee and vibes? That's great. But also make sure they know how to light a first dance in a dim barrel room.

You're hiring a professional. You deserve someone who shows up ready to handle whatever the day brings—and someone who treats your wedding like it matters. Because it does.